The Delta Variant killed the most number of people during the second wave. (January 05, 2023), WHO press conference on COVID-19 and other global health issues (March 29, 2023), Early Estimates of Bivalent mRNA Booster Dose Vaccine Effectiveness in Preventing Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection Attributable to Omicron BA.5 and XBB/XBB.1.5Related Sublineages Among Immunocompetent Adults Increasing Community Access to Testing Program, United States, December 2022January 2023 (January 25, 2023), Conjunctivitis a Symptom of COVID Variant Arcturus in India: What We Know (April 19, 2023), CDC Symptoms of COVID-19 (October 26, 2022), New COVID-19 variant 'Arcturus' is on the rise in US (April 24, 2023), FDA News Release: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Changes to Simplify Use of Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines (April 18, 2023), CDC: Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination (April 19, 2023). Make his special day extra specialhe deserves it. The beginning of a new school year is always hectic. Dr. Rohatsch brings his extensive background in multi-site ambulatory medicine operations, on-demand healthcare, and consumerism to Solv, where he helps drive strategic initiatives in a cross functional executive role. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. BA.1, aka the Omicron that people have largely been tracking, is missing one of three target genes that are used in a standard PCR test, Dr. Russo explains. The stealth variant has about 20 mutations that differ from the original Omicron, according toFrancois Balloux, a professor of computational system biology and director of the UCL Genetics Institute in London. Some scientists have referred to BA.2 as a "stealth" variant because, although it has many mutations in common with the original BA.1 Omicron variant, it lacks a genetic deletion on the spike protein that allows the rapid identification of probable cases using certain PCR tests. This means there has been a break from some of the earlier tell-tale COVID symptoms like loss of smell or taste and shortness of breath. "The most reported symptoms of Omicron are really very much like a cold, especially in people who've been vaccinated," Claire Steves, PhD, a scientist from King's College London involved with Zoe, confirmed in a Jan. 6 video. In just roughly two months, this variant has taken over an estimated 99.9 percent of new cases in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With the rolling back of mask requirements and physical distancing, many people have been on a search for a new normal. But still notable and important to point out". Heres what to do. That progress, however, plateaued right as cases of BA.2 increased in circulation. Omicron is very contagious and, according to Danish scientists, the BA.2 variant is slightly more contagious (1.5 times) than the first Omicron strain, Dr. Naik explains. New studies are showing that its symptoms are generally the same as other variants and remain mostly mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, especially if vaccinated. He brings comprehensive healthcare expertise ranging from medical group operations to revenue cycle management and clinical expertise. Read on to find out what you should be watching out for when it comes to this new version of the virus. Despite BA.2 being labeled a subvariant of Omicron, there are still significant differences in the genetic makeup of the variants. Its not like this variant has increased ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity, he says. Turn to the AMA for timely guidance on making the most of medical residency. The Omicron strain has mutated slightly into a new iteration, becoming the leading source of infection in some parts of the world. Sick with a new Omicron variant? Be prepared for this symptom, new Infectious disease experts break it down. Emerging research has been showing that Omicron is more likely to affect the upper respiratory tract instead of the lungs, unlike some prior versions of the virus, according to WHO. There are two FAQs, one designed to answerpatientsquestions (PDF), and another to addressphysiciansCOVID-19 vaccine questions (PDF). Many people who have Omicron say it feels like a common cold, and here are the 8 early warning signs you need to look out for. The content provided here and elsewhere on the Solv Health site or mobile app is provided for general informational purposes only. According to the U.K. Zoe COVID Study App, the five most frequently reported signs of the original version of this variant are runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat. Think you may have monkeypox? Patients can also have gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, and loss of taste or loss of smell, although Ive seen that a lot less with the newer variants, she said, noting that symptoms for BA.2 may also include muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, and congestion. They reported that the top five symptoms related to the variant were: Runny nose. But BA.2 doesnt have the particular mutation on the spike protein that makes that particular target gene fail on a PCR test. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the dominant strain in India and has been found in over 30 countries, including the United States. All you need to know, When to get checked: A guide to mens preventive health (including timelines and screenings), Getting back to health: your checklist for 2022, Protecting Your Kids with the COVID-19 Vaccine, Parent Tips for a no burn-out, no bummer summer with kids. This difference also may be why BA.2 escaped attention earlier. Otherwise, the variant functions quite similarly to Omicron itself and experts say there isn't cause for overt panic just yet; a report released this week by the United Kingdom's Health Security Agency suggests that current vaccines provide similar protection against the "stealth" variant as it does to original Omicron infections. New Mutation Of Omicron May Spread Even Faster; It's Already In The US This new iteration of the fast-spreading variant has been gaining a foothold in several counties since Jan. 24, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported. The symptoms COVID infections, according to the CDC, include: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell. As Dr. Van Kerkhove, WHO epidemiologist, noted, XBB.1.16 replaced other existing variants in India. Extreme Fatigue: 5 Reasons Why Your Body is Tired All The Time Despite it's foreboding name, experts are adamant that "stealth" Omicron infections can still be identified on both clinical PCR COVID-19 tests as well as home-based rapid result tests. As BA.2 subvariant of Omicron rises, lab studies point to signs - CNN This so-called stealth variant, officially known as BA.2, is armed with even higher transmission potential, and possibly a greater ability to evade the immune response, than the original Omicron . What Are Dehydration Headaches? Patients, help us protect our high-risk patients - please wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms, a positive COVID-19 test, or COVID-19 exposure. If this bothers you for a couple of days or more, then one should consult a doctor. The FDA is warning of potential contamination. The Omicron Variant of COVID-19 - WebMD Take a COVID test if you begin to experience COVID-like symptoms. Some of these fall in line with tell-tale Omicron symptoms. Emerging research has been showing that Omicron is more likely to affect the upper respiratory tract instead of the lungs, unlike some prior versions of the virus, according to WHO. Is it just going to be there at low levels causing a few cases or are we going to see an upsurge of cases over the next several weeks? Learn more. As per researchers, the Stealth variant has about 20 mutations that differ from the original Omicron. Looks like you have exceeded the limit to bookmark the image. "By far, most of what we are seeing is BA.2," Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said Thursday. RELATED: This One Symptom Could Be Your First Sign of Omicron, Doctors Warn. The most common symptoms of the Omicron variant were cough, fatigue, congestion or runny nose, and fever. Download the Mint app and read premium stories. Each month, the Senior Physician Sectionhighlights membersand individualsto showcase their work and current efforts. BA.2, though, is increasing in many countries, the WHO says online. What Is BA.2, the 'Stealth Omicron' Variant - Stealth Omicron Symptoms Mild fever, sore throat, malaise and body ache,. New research finds that the "stealth" Omicron subvariant, BA.2, has greater ability to evade immune protections and increased risk of reinfection. "I would also predict that there would be significant protection with BA.2 if you had BA.1. In this Overcoming Obstacles webinar, experts will discuss the nuances of caring for geriatric patients and the importance of addressing their mental and behavioral health needs as they age.